Search

The intention of this study is to assess the sorption potential of Citrus waste biomasses, i.e. Citrus reticulata , Citrus sinensis , Citrus limetta and Citrus paradisi having optimum sorption capacity for anionic reactive dyes. Citrus sinensis biosorbent showing maximum sorption capacity was selected ( q e 13.99, 15.21, 14.80 and 27.41 mg/g for Reactive yellow 42, Reactive red 45, Reactive blue 19 and Reactive blue 49, respectively). The effect of chemical treatments to augment the sorption capability was evaluated and pretreatments of biosorbent were carried out with a range of organic and inorganic reagents. Acetic acid treated biosorbent showed enhanced sorption potential for elimination of Reactive yellow 42 ( q e 17.64), Reactive blue 19 ( q e 23.31), and Reactive blue 49 ( q e 33.53) whereas acetonitrile resulted in improved sorption capacity for Reactive red 45 ( q e 18.18). Sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, ethanol, methanol, EDTA and sodium chloride treated biosorbent showed decreased sorption capacity for each reactive dye. Thermodynamic parameters like Δ G °, Δ H ° and Δ S ° were determined and negative enthalpy values; −35.99 kJ/mol (Reactive yellow 42), −25.46 kJ/mol (Reactive red 45), −8.99 kJ/mol (Reactive blue 19), and −14.17 kJ/mol (Reactive blue 49) established the exothermic nature of process. The sorption was accompanied by a decrease in entropy as demonstrated by negative entropy values of −0.12, −0.08, −0.04 and −0.04 kJ/mol K for Reactive yellow 42, Reactive red 45, Reactive blue 19 and Reactive blue 49, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic images of biosorbent surface revealed the porous nature of biosorbent surface.

This study evaluates the influence of addition of mosambi peel powder on jam prepared from papaya. Mosambi peel powder was first analyzed for its proximate composition and other properties. Mosambi peel had high amount of crude fiber (17.6%), besides water and oil-holding capacity (2.26 and 6.82 ml/g, respectively). Mosambi peel was treated with 5% of salt and/or sodium bicarbonate overnight to remove bitterness. Different levels of treated and untreated mosambi peel powder (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5%) were added to papaya jam and were evaluated for texture and sensory properties. The firmness and chewiness values of the jam added with mosambi peel powder increased significantly as compared to control, whereas adhesiveness and cohesiveness values decreased with increasing levels of mosambi peel powder. Sensory evaluation showed that jam prepared by addition of peel powder was acceptable up to 5% level of incorporation. However, jam made by the addition of untreated peel powder was not acceptable due to bitterness resulted from mosambi peel powder.

The present paper aims to evaluate antihyperglycemic activity of methanol extract of Citrus limetta fruit peel (MECL) in streptozotocin-induced (STZ; 65 mg/kg b.w.) diabetic rats. Three days after STZ induction, diabetic rats received MECL orally at 200 and 400 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 15 days. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg kg-1 p. o.) was used as reference drug. Blood glucose levels were measured on 0th, 4th, 8th, and 15th days of study. Serum biochemical parameters namely, SGOT, SGPT and ALP were estimated. The TBARS and GSH levels of pancreas, kidney, and liver were determined. MECL significantly (P<0.001) and dose dependently normalized blood glucose levels and serum biochemical parameters, decreased lipid peroxidation, and recovered GSH as compared to those of STZ control. The present paper infers that in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats, C. limetta fruit peel demonstrated a potential antihyperglycemic effect which may be attributed to its antioxidant property.

The biomass Citrus limetta fruit peels was subjected to Pb2+ adsorption from aqueous PbNO3 solutions of different concentrations. Pretreatment of the biomass using cold alkali enhanced the adsorption by 87% even after considering the percentage weight loss. The biomass was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrokinetic analysis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The equilibrium sorption capacity was observed to be 630 mg/g and the adsorption obeyed the Langmuir, Dubinin−Radushkevich (D−R), and ion-exchange models. The optimum pH and biomass concentration for maximum adsorption capacity were observed to be 4.5 and 0.1 g/L, respectively. Almost 80% sorption takes place within the first 15 min. The role of carboxylic and other functional groups was revealed to be ion exchange with a 1:2 stoichiometry between Pb2+ and carboxylic groups.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Citrus limetta Risso (Rutaceae) is widely used in Mexico for healing purposes, among them as antihypertensive treatment. Aim of the study To assess the antihypertensive effect of C . limetta leaves as one of its ethnomedical uses. Materials and methods The acute response of blood pressure to angiotensin II administration was measured in mice. Additionally, the acute oral toxicity profiles were determined. Results The findings of the current investigation showed that different concentrations of the aqueous extract prevented the raise of systolic blood pressure ( p ≤ 0.001 vs. vehicle), diastolic blood pressure ( p ≤ 0.0002 vs. vehicle) and mean blood pressure ( p ≤ 0.0000 vs. vehicle); with a dose dependent effect for diastolic pressures at 125–500 mg/kg dosages. The 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses inhibited the action of Ang II in similar extent to telmisartan. Toxic signs or deaths were not observed in mice treated at 2000 mg/kg of C . limett a extract. Conclusions All doses of C . limetta aqueous extract, used in this assay, were safe and effective.

Synthesis of nanoparticles was done by green method. Silver nitrate was used as the silver precursor, while the fruit juices of the citrus fruits ( Citrus sinensis, Citrus limetta, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus paradisi ) were used as reducing and stabilizing agents. The nanoparticle formation was confirmed with the visible colour change from colourless to characteristic reddish brown. the surface plasmon resonance peak was at 451 and 452 nm for the silver nanoparticles The antimicrobial activities of these nanoparticles were studied against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis . Generally, MIC values of the samples against the microorganism tested ranged from 25-100mg/ml. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most sensitive (while Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were the least sensitive to the silver nanoparticles).

The physico-chemical characteristics of the seeds and seed oils of four citrus species, Mitha (Citrus limetta), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Mussami (Citrus sinensis), and Kinnow (Citrus reticulata) were investigated. The hexane-extracted oil content of citrus seeds ranged from 27.0 to 36.5%. The protein, fiber and ash contents were found to be 3.9–9.6%, 5.0–8.5%, and 4.6–5.6%, respectively. The extracted oils exhibited an iodine value of 99.9–110.0; refractive index (40 °C), 1.4639–1.4670; density (24 °C), 0.920–0.941 mg/mL; saponification value, 180.9–198.9; unsaponifiable matter, 0.3–0.5%; acid value (mg KOH/g of oil), 0.5–2.2 and color (1-in. cell) 1.4–3.0R + 15.0–30.0Y. The oils revealed a good oxidative stability as indicated by the determinations of specific extinctions at 232 and 270 nm (2.3–4.4 and 0.6–0.9, respectively), p-anisidine value (2.2–3.2) and peroxide value (1.6–2.4 mequiv/kg of oil). The citrus seed oils mainly consisted of linoleic acid (36.1–39.8%). Other prominent fatty acids were palmitic acid (25.8–32.2%), oleic acid (21.9–24.1%), linolenic acid (3.4–4.4%), and stearic acid (2.8–4.4%). The contents of tocopherols (α, γ, and δ) in the oil were 26.4–557.8, 27.7–84.1, and 9.1–20.0 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the present study demonstrated that the seeds of citrus species investigated are a potential source of valuable oil which might be utilized for edible and other industrial applications.

In 2002, a severe fruit spot of sweet lime (Citrus limetta) was observed in Piura and Lambayeque provinces in northern Peru. Affected fruits showed large oval and sunken lesions, often surrounded by chlorotic haloes. Septoria sp. was isolated from affected fruits. Sweet lime isolates showed larger pycnidia and pycnidiospores than those of Septoria spp. previously described on citrus. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequences clearly separated the sweet lime isolates from S. citri and S. citricola. Isolates were pathogenic to detached sweet lime fruits and the fungus was isolated from lesions on inoculated fruits.

The aim of this study was to enhance the extraction of total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidants from fruit juices by the application of surfactants formulations instead of conventional solvents (methanol, ethanol and acetone). A variety of fruit infusions: apple red delicious (apple (rd)) (Malus domestica), Mcintosh apple (apple (i)) (Malus pumila), sweet lemon (Citrus limetta) and mango (Magnifera indica) were studied. Effect of water, organic solvents and five different aqueous surfactant formulations viz. SDS, Brij-35, Brij-58, Triton X-100 and Span-40 were explored for the extraction of TPC and determining the antioxidant activity (AA). The TPC and AA (%) were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu (FCA) and DPPH assay, respectively. The effect of surfactant type, concentration and common organic solvents on the extraction of TPC and AA (%) was studied using UV-visible spectrophotometric technique. Among all the extracting systems employed, Brij-58 showed the highest extraction efficiency.

Lime juice, basil extract, ginger and sugar syrup were optimized and blended to form a herbal juice which was pasteurized at 90°C for 25 sec cooled and stored at refrigerated temperature 5°C for 20 days. Physic-chemical and sensory analysis was done. Marginal changes in pH, total soluble solids, acidity, vitamin C and antioxidant content were observed. The TSS increased during the storage period and was reported to be increased by 2.5°Brix. Addition of basil extract and ginger to lime juice greatly increased the antioxidant potential of the juice and also Vitamin C. Vitamin C and pH and subsequently decreased as the storage time increased. Ascorbic acid content was reported to decrease by 10-12 mg/100 gm in all the juice blends. The antioxidant potential gradually decreased during the storage period from 50.5 in 10% to 56.1 in 25% juice blends. The mean overall acceptability scores of more than 8 for juice blends samples up to 20% basil extract incorporation indicated the commercial scope for manufacturing good and nutritious juice blends, which will also be helpful in providing good antioxidant and nutraceutical potential to the consumer. Heat pasteurisation (90°C for 25 sec) and basil and ginger extract were more effective for inactivating the microbial flora. However the shelf life of the juice blends was established within 10 days, after this the acceptability decreased. The product is recommended children, youth and elderly persons to be used within 10 days.

Exploration of possible pharmacological effects along with characterisation of the bioactive compounds present in peels may have a key role in converting the fruit waste materials into therapeutic value added products. Extracts prepared from the Citrus limetta fruit peels were studied for antioxidant and anti- inflammatory activity using in-vitro bioassays. Among all, ClEt an ethanol extract of Citrus limetta fruit peels has shown promising anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. ClEt was further validated to ensure its safety evaluation at 2000mg/kg and anti-malarial efficacy at 100, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight with special reference to inflammatory mediators involved in malaria pathogenesis. In-vivo study revealed that ClEt was safe at higher dose and showed promising anti-malarial activity by inhibiting the parasitaemia and inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6) involved in malaria pathogenesis, able to improve the haemoglobin and glucose level and increase the survival time. Chemical fingerprint of ClEt revealed the presence of flavonoids. Results suggested the suitability of ClEt, a flavonoid rich fraction of Citrus limetta fruit peels as a candidate for further investigation towards the management of malaria pathogenesis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent causes of death in Mexico, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. One alternative strategy for this metabolic abnormality is inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates. We evaluated whether the aqueousCitrus limettapeel extract could inhibit the metabolism of carbohydrates. We found that this extract inhibited primarily the enzymeα-amylase by 49.6% at a concentration of 20 mg/mL and to a lesser extent the enzymeα-glucosidase with an inhibition of 28.2% at the same concentration. This inhibition is likely due to the high polyphenol content in theCitrus limettapeel (19.1 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity of theCitrus limettapeel demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity, varying from 6.5% at 1.125 mg/mL to 42.5% at 20 mg/mL. The study of these polyphenolic compounds having both antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities may provide a new approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Alkali treated Citrus limetta peels were used for recovery of Ga(III) from its aqueous solution. The raw and alkali treated peels were characterized for functional groups. The efficiency of adsorption increased from 47.62 mg/g for raw peels to 83.33 mg/g for alkali treated peels. Between pH 1 and 3, the adsorption increased and thereafter decreased drastically. The adsorption followed pseudosecond order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm gave the best fit for the experimental data. Desorption studies showed 95.28% desorption after 3 cycles for raw peels while it was 89.51% for alkali treated peels. Simulated Bayer liquor showed 39.57% adsorption for gallium ions on raw peels which was enhanced to 41.13% for alkali treated peels.

Pectin is a structural hetero polysaccharide, commonly obtained from the peels of citrus fruits and finds prime commercial use as a gelling agent and stabilizer in food industries. In the present study, pectin was extracted using alcohol precipitation method from the peels of orange (Citrus sinensis), sweet lime (Citrus limetta) and lemon (Citrus limon). When the extraction conditions were varied one-at-a-time, a maximum yield of 36.71% was obtained from C. limon, after which the yield was further enhanced using the Box-Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology. Optimum conditions for the extraction process were established to be pH 3.5, temperature 65°C and time 67.5 min. The interaction effects of these variables were studied using 3-D and contour plots. A 1.5-fold increase in pectin yield was obtained as a result of this experimental design. Analysis of variance indicated the significance of the model. The pectin obtained was then subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses and found to contain desirable methoxyl, hyaluronic acid contents and degree of esterification. Functional groups present in the pectin were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. The overall results point towards the amenability of the extracted pectin for industrial applications.

This work reports statistically optimized synthesis of silver nanocubes from cost effective, readily available bioreductant, in the form of peels of Citrus limetta. Effect of six variables viz. temperature, pH, volume of reductant, reaction volume, illumination, concentration of silver nitrate was examined using Placket Burman Design. Temperature, pH and illumination were found to significantly affect the shape and size of silver nanoparticles. Best conditions for the synthesis of silver nanocubes were 0.001 M AgNO3 with temperature 27°C and pH 6 under dark incubation. Characterization of the synthesized nanocubes was done using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis showed clear synthesis of nanocubes in the range of 37-59 nm to 163-205 nm. Additionally, an investigation of biologically synthesized nanocubes in wastewater treatment was done. A filter was designed. The colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles was mixed with activated charcoal in ratio of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 respectively, to make filter bed. A series of microbiological tests carried out on the filtrates obtained, showed that the microbes were killed to an extent of 97%, especially E. coli. Our work indicates that silver nanoparticle loaded activated charcoal filter can be used as an excellent antibacterial water filter.

In the present study, the syntheses of crystalline silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs) has been demonstrated in a green and environmentally friendly approach using citrus fruit extracts (lemon, Citrus limon (Cl-1) and sweet orange, Citrus limetta (Cl-2)). In addition, potentially hazardous metal ion sensing properties of these NPs in aqueous solution has been explored. Cl-1 and Cl-2 that predominantly contained citric and ascorbic acid, exhibited different reducing abilities towards silver and gold ions into NPs. Cl-1 reduces silver ions into AgNPs only in the presence of sunlight whereas AuNPs from gold ions were formed without exposure to sunlight. In contrast, Cl-2 converts both silver and gold ions into the corresponding NPs in the absence of sunlight. The colorimetric sensor studies of these green synthesized AgNPs (Cl-1-AgNPs) showed selective sensing of the potentially hazardous Hg(2+) ion in water at micromolar concentrations. More importantly, green synthesized Cl-1-AgNPs sensor systems detected Hg(2+) ions in water in a wide pH range (3.2 to 8.5).

This study was initiated to determine evapotranspiration (ET) and crop coefficient (Kc) of sweet lime and to establish the relationship between ET and canopy to air temperature differential (Tc − Ta); °C) under drip irrigation treatments with different amounts of water. The maximum value of (Kc) for sweet lime under drip irrigation (1.17) was greater than that for other citrus trees under irrigation systems other than drip irrigation (0.75). The maximum value of evapotranspiration to pan evaporation ratio ( ET p E pan ) for sweet lime under drip irrigation (0.71) was comparable with that of Valencia orange under drip irrigation in Arizona. The equation for estimation of average 24 h ET (mm day−1) by monitoring (Tc − Ta °C) is ET=3.02−0.94 (Tc − Ta). Furthermore, the equation for estimation of average 24 h ET, (mm dayt−1 by monitoring ( T c − T c ∗ ) is ET−ET p = −0.43(T c − T c ∗ ) in which T c ∗ is the canopy temperature of well watered trees (°C).

Effects of different blanching pre-treatments and drying methods on quality of sweet lemon or mosambi (Citrus limetta Risso) pomace powder were investigated. Mosambi pomace was subjected to various blanching pre treatments i.e. hot water blanching (HB), citric acid blanching (CB) and potassium metabisulphite dipping (KMS). A control sample (untreated, UT) was kept for comparison. Pre-treated samples were dried by various drying methods i.e. convective tray drying (50°C, 60°C and 70°C), sun drying and solar drying. The dried samples were evaluated for its moisture content, drying time, crude fiber content, antioxidants, color attributes and overall acceptability. Effect of interaction of drying method and blanching pre-treatment was significant (p

There are many analytical methods to estimate the pesticide residues in agriculture produce and food products. The multi chemical group pesticide residue analytical method has been validated for the routine analysis of 54 multi chemical class pesticide residues in Citrus fruit (citrus limetta) and fortified levels of 10 μgkg−1 to 100 μgkg−1 by Liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS-TQ) in a single run of 24.01minutes. And the method was applied for the analysis of different fruits i.e., Mango, bear, Banana, grapes, pomegranate, guava etc. By this method volatile and non volatile pesticides of different chemical class can be identified and quantified in single stroke in a sample. Samples were extracted by the adopting QuEChERS method including extraction of sample with acetonitrile and simultaneous liquid partitioning by adding addition of Sodium chloride and Sodium sulphate followed by simple clean up by adding anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and primary secondary amine (PSA) based on the principle of dispersive solid phase extraction(dSPE). By this method the finding obtained were high recoveries, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility of results and small quantity of sample and less volumes of solvents are used by this method. The limit of detection (LOD) was 5 μg kg−1 and limit of quantification in citrus fruit was (LOQ) 10 μg kg−1 found by this method.

Plants are known to be a potential source of chemicals affecting feeding, breeding and survival of insects. Present study was conducted to study the fumigant toxicity of essential oils against major insect pest of stored grain Rhizopertha dominica. The bio-efficacy of essential oils extracted from eighteen plants, namely, Aegle marmelos, Cinnamomum camphora, Citrus sp., Eucalyptus globules, Psidium guajava, Thuja orientalis, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Bidens pilosa, Ageratum conyzoides, Saraca asoca, Cannabis sativa, Murraya koenigii, Tagetes erecta, Citrus limetta, Artemisia annua, Callistemon citrinus, Ocimum gratissimum and Citrus limon was studied against R. domanica at 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, and 0.012% concentration (v/w). The study revealed that most of the essential oils inhibited the development of the test insect. However, the level of inhibition was highly correlated with the dose at which oils were used for treatment. Among eighteen essential oils, A. marmelos, C. camphora E. globulus and T. orientalis were most effective against R. dominica because no insect developed from the grain treated with it even at lower concentration of 0.05%. All the essential oils were found highly effective at 0.2 and 0.1% concentration except A. conyzoides, S. asoca, C. sativa, O. gratissimum and Citrus sp, which permitted adult emergence during test. None of the oil was found highly effective against R. domanica at 0.025 and 0.012% concentration. The essential oil of E. globulus and T. orientalis were found moderately effective at 0.025% concentrations at which they caused 83.92 and 87.17% inhibition, respectively. Rests of the treatments were found less effective against R. dominica due to less than 70% inhibition of progeny production

Aim of the study: To evaluate the in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of the extract of leaves, fruits and peel of Citrus aurantium, Citrus limetta and Citrus limon . Materials and Methods: Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity was assayed spectrophotometrically under aerobic conditions and the degree of enzyme inhibition was determined by measuring the increase in absorbance at 295nm associated with uric acid formation. Results : Among the extracts tested, the C.limetta peel extract exhibited highest potency of xanthine oxidase inhibition (IC 50 40.16±0.88μg/ml). This was followed by C.aurantium peel (IC 50 51.50±2.05μg/ml), C.limon peel (IC 50 64.90±1.24μg/ml), C.aurantium leaf (IC 50 73.50±1.26μg/ml), C.limetta leaf (IC 50 74.83±2.42μg/ml), C.limon leaf (IC 50 76.83±2.02μg/ml), C.limetta fruit (IC 50 95.16±0.60μg/ml) extracts compared with the IC 50 value of standard allopurinol was 6.6μg/ml. Conclusion: Recent findings show that the occurrence of gout is increasing worldwide, possibly due to the changes in dietary habits like intake of food rich in nucleic acids, such as meat, sea foods, etc. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol is the drug of choice, however it has been observed more side effects. An alternative to allopurinol is the use of medicinal plants, We thus began our program to look for xanthine oxidase inhibitors of phytochemical origin. In conclusion, the study suggests that the leaves and peel extracts of Citrus aurantium, Citrus limetta and Citrus limon possess xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity that might be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of gout and related disorders.

The essential oil of citrus fruit contains components pleasant sensory characteristics that are appreciated in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. In the case of sweet lime (Citrus limetta Risso), is necessary to characterize the essential oil components, to identify potential uses of this fruit. The essential oil of sweet lime was obtained from lime flavedo in four different maturation stages. Steam distillation was employed and then compared with hexane extraction. The identification of the components in the essential oil was carried out by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A total of 46 components were found in the essence of lime, among which the highest concentration of compounds present were aldehydes such as limonene. Linalool, sabinene, and bergamol were more abundant than in other varieties. The best extraction method was steam distillation, and the concentrations in stage III from the main terpenic portion were d-limonene with 74.4%, bergamol with 8.23%, and β-pinene with 7.62%. El aceite esencial de frutos cítricos contiene componentes de características sensoriales agradables que son apreciadas en las industrias alimentaria, farmacéutica y de cosméticos. En el caso de la lima dulce (Citrus limetta Risso), es necesaria la caracterización de los componentes de su aceite esencial para identificar usos potenciales de este fruto. El aceite esencial de lima dulce se obtuvo a partir del flavedo de lima en cuatro etapas de maduración diferentes. Se utilizó destilación por arrastre de vapor y se comparó con la extracción con hexano. La identificación de los componentes en el aceite esencial se realizó por cromatografía de gases y espectrometría de masas. Se encontró un total de 46 componentes en el aceite esencial de lima, entre los cuales la mayor concentración de compuestos presentes son aldehídos como el limoneno. Linalol, sabineno y bergamol fueron más abundantes que en otras variedades. El mejor método de extracción fue la destilación al vapor, y las concentraciones en la etapa III de la parte terpénica principal fueron d-limoneno 74.4%, bergamol 8.23%, y β-pineno 7.62%.

Aim: The present study was aimed at investigating the antioxidant activities of the leaves, fruits and peel extracts of Citrus aurantium, Citrus limetta and Citrus limon belonging to the family Rutaceae. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic extracts have been evaluated by using different in vitro assays and the results were compared with the standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbic acid, curcumin, quercetin, etc. In addition, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in these extracts were determined as pyrocatechol and quercetin equivalents respectively. Among the extracts assayed, 4 extracts (leaf and peel extracts of C.aurantium , peel and fruit extracts of C.limetta ) had effective H donor ability, reducing power ability, metal chelating activity, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. The antioxidant activity depends upon concentration and increased with increasing amount of the extracts. The free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities may be attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in the extracts. Result: The results obtained in the present study indicate that the leaves, fruits and peel of Citrus aurantium, Citrus limetta and Citrus limon serve as the potential source of natural antioxidants. Keywords: Antioxidant; Citrus aurantium; Citrus limetta; Citrus limon; free radical; Rutaceae.

This study was initiated to correlate the leaf water potential and crop water stress index (CWSI) with the yield and yield quality of sweet lime ( Citrus limetta , Swing) under drip irrigation with water application based on different fractions of pan evaporation (0.4 E pan to 1.0 E pan ). The lower baseline for CWSI of Idso et al. (1981) was (Tc-Ta) = 3.61−1.74 (VPD), and the upper limit for CWSI calculations was 5.0°C. The average CWSI during the growing season varied from zero to 0.435 at different irrigation treatments (1.0 E pan to 0.4 E pan ). The maximum fruit yield was produced at a pan evaporation fraction of 0.75, corresponding to the CWSI of 0.103 and leaf water potential of -2.03 MPa with maximum water-use efficiency of 26.8 kg/mm. However, the maximum weight of fruit, pulp and juice resulted at higher water application while the total dissolved solid, ascorbic acid and vitamin C were lower. The relationship between the leaf water potential and CWSI was dependent on the air vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Furthermore, a relationship between (Tc-Ta) and VPD was proposed for irrigation scheduling of sweet lime with an infrared thermometer method.

Chloroquine bioavailability in healthy males was examined following oral coadministration of 600 mg with three common Sudanese beverages, Aradaib (Tamarindus indica), Karkadi (Hibiscus sabdarifa) and Lemon (Citrus limetta) and drinking water. The tablets and beverages were taken on an empty stomach after an overnight fast. The plasma chloroquine concentrations were measured by HPLC. The extent and rate of chloroquine bioavailability were described by the area under the plasma concentrations versus time curve (AUC), the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and with the time to reach Cmax (Tmax), respectively. The mean (+/- S.E.) AUC values after administration with water (control) and Aradaib, Karkadi and Lemon, respectively, were 7.52 +/- 0.87, 2.60 +/- 0.24, 2.16 +/- 0.30 and 2.41 +/- 0.29 mg.h/L. The corresponding mean Cmax values were 553 +/- 17.8, 184 +/- 21.3, 148 +/- 14.1 and 210 +/- 17.4 mg/L and the corresponding Tmax values were 3.0 +/- 1.0, 3.2 +/- 1.2, 2.6 +/- 0.8 and 2.5 +/- 1.0 h. The results indicate a statistically significant reduction in the AUC and Cmax of chloroquine as a result of a coadministration with each of the three beverages. A parallel reduction in the drugs antimalarial efficacy might be expected.

The extracts from the peels of Citrus limetta were prepared using hexane and petroleum ether as the solvents. The larvicidal potential of each extract was assessed against dengue fever vector, Aedes aegypti, and malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi, by evaluating the toxicity effects on early fourth instars. Both the extracts were found effective against both the species. The bioassay with hexane extracts resulted in LC(50) values of 132.45 and 96.15 ppm against A. stephensi and A. aegypti, respectively; while the petroleum ether extracts from the C. limetta peels showed LC(50) values of 244.59 and 145.50 ppm, respectively. It revealed that the hexane extracts possessed 1.9-fold more larvicidal potential against A. stephensi and 1.5-fold more efficacy against A. aegypti as compared to the extracts obtained using petroleum ether as solvent. The data further revealed that the extracts were 1.4-1.7 times more effective against A. aegypti as compared to A. stephensi. The qualitative phytochemical study of the extracts showed the presence of terpenoids and flavonoids as the common phytochemical constituents in the extracts suggesting their possible role in the toxicity. Other constituents tested were not detected except alkaloids which were found to be present only in the petroleum ether extract. Further studies are needed to isolate and identify the active principles involved, their mode of action, formulated preparations for enhancing potency and stability, toxicity, and effects on non-target organisms and the environment. This could help in formulating efficient strategies for mosquito control.

The flavonoid composition of crude Citrus limetta Risso (limetta, Mediterranean sweet lemon) juice was elucidated by means of reverse-phase HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS/MS analysis. In a single course, eight compounds (C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids) were identified, six of which were found for the first time in limetta juice: four C-glucosyl flavones, namely vicenin-2, lucenin-2 4′-methyl ether, orientin 4′-methyl ether and scoparin; the O-glycosyl flavone, rhoifolin; and the O-glycosyl flavanone, eriocitrin. In addition, ABTS + and DPPH radical quenching and FRAP assays demonstrate that limetta juice possesses remarkable antioxidant activity.

This study was carried out in two rural communities: Kaani and Boue, in Khana Local Government Area (LGA) and, in one urban community, Eleme, in Eleme LGA, all in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria. The investigations involved in-depth interviews conducted with 104 health care givers comprising indigenous healers: herbalists, sellers of herbal remedies and community elders. Information was obtained on types of fevers (febrile illnesses) treated, symptoms and methods of establishing illnesses, and traditional herbs used in the prevention and treatment of febrile illnesses. On types of febrile illnesses treated, respondents presented the following: malaria (78.8%), typhoid (23.1%), yellow fever (21.2%), high fever (19.2 %), convulsion (15.4%), and pregnancy fever (2.9%). Other illnesses treated were yellow eyes (4.8%) headache (11.5%), waist pain (14.4%), and joint pains, (8.7%). Respondents determined whether a person had fever by the following: physical examination (85.4 %), listening to patients' complaints (9.4 %), through divination and inspiration (9.4 %), while others (0.2 %) were not quite explicit on their methods of diagnoses. On the treatment of febrile illnesses, respondents used herb teas (88.5%), herb powders (42.3%), incantation (3.3 %), and performance of sacrifice (4.8%) or use of special fluids (27.9%). Majority of the respondents, in describing the best herbal medicines for the treatment of febrile illnesses, 62.5 % said that dogonyaro ( Azadiracta indica ) was the best medicine. Other responses were: lemon grass ( Cymbopogon citratys , 51.9 %), mango ( Mangifera indica ) bark (29.8 %); lime ( Citrus limetta ) juice (30.0 %), paw paw ( Carica papaya ) leaf/fruit (20.2 %); guava ( Psidium guajava ) leaf (18.3 %), akpagbogoro ( Salacia nitida ), 7.7 %, plantain ( Musa sapientum ) sucker (6.7 %), Lipton tea (3.8 %) and scent leaf ( Ocimum gratissimum ), 1.9%. Keywords : Malaria, fever, febrile illness, herbal remedies, Nigeria West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol. 21 (1&2) 2005: pp. 48-54

A possible way to valorize citrus peels and seeds, which are byproducts of the juice extraction industry, is to use them as natural antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of several citrus peel and seed extracts obtained either by methanol extraction (free phenolic compounds) or by alkaline hydrolysis (bound phenolic compounds) was tested in a model system based on accelerated citronellal oxidation. Generally, seeds possessed greater antioxidant activity than peels. The composition of all tested samples was studied by HPLC: methanol extracts are rich in flavones and glycosylated flavanones, whereas hydrolyzed extracts contain mainly phenolic acids and flavonols. The phenolic composition of some citrus peels and seeds was described for the first time. No clear relationshipcould be shown between the antioxidant activity and the phenolic composition of the extracts.

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama 1907 (Rhynchota: Psyllidae), was described from Taiwan and is native to Asia. It has been known in the Western Hemisphere for several decades in Brazil (Hodkinson & White 1981; Lima 1942). During the past decade, its range has expanded into northern South America and the Caribbean. The focus of this paper is to document the distribution of D. citri in the Caribbean Basin. Burckhardt & Martinez (1989) reportedD. citri intercepted in France on citrus plants from Honduras and "reconditione aux Etats-Unis avant d'etre importe en France." This report has been difficult to verify. There is no doubt that the intercepted insects were D. citri, but the source of the shipment is questionable. The circumstances under which these infested plants spent time being rehabilitated in the United States are not stated. Citrus plants from foreign sources are not allowed in the USA except under strict quarantine conditions (Title 7 (Agriculture), Chapter III, Part 319.19, Code of Federal Regulations). Additionally, D. citri was not present in the USA in 1989, so the infestation did not come from the USA. Visiting scientists Ronald Cave (Department of Entomology, University of Florida, pers. comm. 2003) and James Baker (Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, pers. comm. 2003) spent many months in Honduras in the 1990s and failed to find D. citri. In 1997, specimens of D. citri were found on citrus in Corrientes, Argentina, by Sara Caiceres (Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA) accession # E1997-3427). Evidently, the infestation was minor, because the Argentina Department of Agriculture was unaware of the presence of D. citri in Argentina in 1998. This low infestation level suggests that D. citri had been there prior to 1997 long enough for populations to subside to low levels controlled by local natural enemies. In 1998, D. citri was found in Guadeloupe (Etienne et al. 1998) and in south Florida (FSCA# E1998-1751) (Halbert 1998; Halbert et al. 2003). Since then, movement throughout the Caribbean has been rapid. In 1999, D. citri was found on Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas, on both Citrus spp. and on Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack. (FSCA# E1999-1975, 1976, Robert C. Bullock and Robert R. Pelosi, University of Florida). Two years later, high numbers of D. citri were intercepted on citrus fruit from Abaco, Bahamas sent for processing in Ft. Pierce, FL (FSCA# E2001-747, 850, 978, 1135, and 2049, Kenneth L. Hibbard and James J. Walukiewicz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry (DPI) inspectors). These repeated interceptions of D. citri indicate beyond doubt that D. citri can move on fresh, unprocessed citrus fruit. Infestations were found in West Bay, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands in June 2000 (FSCA# E2000-2102, Joan Steer and Sasha Frederick). In 2001,D. citri was intercepted in passenger baggage on leaves of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, probably indicating a population of D. citri on that island (FSCA# E2001-696). An infestation was found in Jamaica for the first time in Bodles, St. Catherine on 18 January 2003 (FSCA# E2003-259, Sharon McDonald). Diaphorina citri was first found in the Dominican Republic in September 2001, but because of its wide distribution in the country, we believe its introduction occurred at least one year before its detection. The specimens from the Dominican Republic are housed at the Museum of Natural History, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. All collections are by C.A. Nuiiez unless otherwise noted. They are labeled as follows: 17 adults on Murraya paniculata-Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo, Ciudad de los Millones, 16-IX-2001; 9 adults on Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Plaza de la Cultura "Juan Pablo Duarte," 20-IX-2001; 6 adults, 1 nymph on Murraya paniculata, Ensanche Miraflores, 21-IX-2001; 3 adults on Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f., 2 adults on Citrus reticulata Blanco, 6 adults on Citrus limetta Risso, 5 adults on Citrus sinensis, 7 adults on Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr., Urbanizaci6n Las Praderas, 22IX-2001; 7 adults, 3 nymphs on Citrus aurantium L., Ensanche Quisqueya, 23-IX-2001; 11 adults on Murraya paniculata, 3 adults on Citrus limon, 3 adults on Citrus sinensis, Province of Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo Oeste, Engombe 26-VII2002; 6 adults, 9 nymphs on Murraya paniculata, Zona Industrial, Herrera, 14-XI-2002; 8 adults, 10 nymphs on Murraya paniculata, Santo Domingo Este, Ensanche Ozama, 8-VIII-2002; 7 adults on Citrus sinensis, San Cristobal, General Leger Ave., 30-IX-2001; 9 adults on Murraya paniculata, Monte Plata, Parque Central, 23-VII

Citrus limetta Risso (Rutaceae), commonly known as sweet lime in English and Mousambi in India, has been traditionally used for several medicinal purposes. This study explored the relationship between Citrus limetta fruit peel and its antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice. The antitumor activity of methanol extract of peel of Citrus limetta fruits (MECL) was evaluated against EAC cell line in Swiss albino mice. Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor EAC cells in mice, MECL was administered at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight i.p. daily for nine consecutive days. On the 10th day, half of the mice were sacrificed for the estimation of tumor growth (tumor volume, viable and non-viable tumor cell counts), and hematologic parameters (red blood cells, white blood cells and hemoglobin). The rest were kept alive for assessment of survival parameters, i.e. median survival time and percentage increase in life span of EAC bearing mice. Intraperitoneal administration of MECL at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for nine days to the carcinoma induced mice demonstrated a significant (PC. limetta fruit peel against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss mice.

The advantages of biopolymers over synthetic polymers are low cost, natural origin, free from side effects, biocompatible, bio-acceptable, environmental friendly processing, local availability, better patient tolerance as well as public acceptance. Sustained release tablets containing rifampicin was prepared by adding 100 mg polymer and 50 mg Drug and Granules. Same procedure was followed with 3% and 5% of polymer for preparation of sustained release tablets. Additional Tablets of 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg were prepared using 5% of the polymer. The results indicated that the selected biopolymer had a good release retardant property thus it can be concluded that the selected biopolymer can be utilized as low cost natural biocompatible and biodegradable agent.

n/a